Moving to Fiji for Three Months with Two Kids Under 5 – Committed or Crazy?
Who are we?
When we acquired Luxury Adventures in 2022, we knew it was the perfect fit for us. There were a few key reasons behind this decision. First, our shared passion for travel and adventure. Second, for me, there’s something deeply ingrained in my DNA—a drive to help people, coupled with a strong desire to excel and exceed expectations. And then there’s Steve’s passion for running his own business, which, when combined with his love of golf, played a big role in shaping our future plans.
This passion for both golf and business ultimately led to the creation of the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour — a collection of itineraries that blend world-class golf with luxury accommodations and exclusive New Zealand experiences. More information can be found here
Of course, the road ahead wasn’t without challenges. The business had been in hibernation during the COVID years, and we had a lot of ground to make up. But despite the hurdles, we were absolutely excited and ready to jump in headfirst.
One challenge we knew we had to tackle was gaining first-hand experience of the luxury accommodations and activities we wanted to recommend to our clients. In New Zealand, that was easy—being from Christchurch meant we could sneak away often to explore and build our expertise.
French Polynesia, with its compact size, allowed us to discover its offerings in a relatively short time. Australia was already familiar territory—Steve is Australian, and I’ve spent time in both Western Australia and North Queensland, giving us a solid foundation of knowledge.
But Fiji? That was a different story. Flying back and forth just to visit a couple of resorts at a time didn’t seem practical. That’s when the idea hit us: What if we just packed our bags and moved to Fiji for three months? Surely, living there would give us the time we needed to truly immerse ourselves in the culture and explore the luxury offerings from every angle. Plus, it was the perfect excuse to escape the chilly winter back home—Fiji in winter is pure heaven.
Understanding the Fijian culture
Some people thought we were crazy for traveling with two little ones under five, while others saw it as a sign of commitment. Either way, we hoped this experience would give us a much deeper understanding of Fiji and its offerings than any number of short visits ever could—and, as it turned out, that was exactly the case.
We had the privilege of experiencing some of Fiji’s most incredible resorts, but we wanted to begin our adventure with something truly authentic. So, we decided to do a homestay on a tiny island called Wayasewa, in the Yasawas. It was an absolutely magical way to start our journey.
The people of Wayasewa welcomed us with open arms, their kindness overwhelming. From the moment we arrived, we felt like part of the family. The girls, especially, were so swept up in the joy of it all that we often joked they’d start approaching strangers with their arms raised, expecting to be picked up by everyone they met! Laughter and games became a constant, and it was the perfect introduction to the Fijian way of life.
Living on the island also meant embracing a few challenges—rodents, cockroaches, and no Wi-Fi, to name a few. Solar power only worked for a few hours a day, which was all part of the charm. While it wasn’t always easy, these experiences built character for all of us.
Our time on Wayasewa was filled with unforgettable adventures—daily swims on our own private beach, swimming with reef sharks and manta rays (which required a long boat ride through towering waves, complete with a few moments of are we going to make it?—but that’s another story!). We also attended a Sunday church service as honored guests of the village.
Our host, Lucy—who quickly became a second mother to our children—prepared the most beautiful home-cooked meals, made up of traditional Fijian cuisine using fresh local produce and the day’s catch.
The island itself was stunning. Steve and I even climbed to its highest point with one of the locals, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The descent, however, turned into an unexpected adventure. Imagine walking through your house at night with no lights on, relying only on your senses to find your way. Now, picture doing that on the side of a mountain, with just one tiny flashlight between you and total darkness. That was our reality—and it only added to the magic of the experience.
The girls also got a taste of island-style school life by attending daycare and school, with a daily commute by boat—no cars, buses, or bikes in sight! Watching the local kids welcome them with such openness was incredibly touching. Being part of the school assembly and listening to the beautiful singing was truly special—a memory we will always cherish.
First-hand experience:
After our time on Wayasewa Island, we set off to explore more of Fiji. We spent time up north in Voli Voli, down south in Pacific Harbour, and even ventured into the less-travelled areas around Nadi. Along the way, we stayed at some of the best resorts the country has to offer, each offering its own unique blend of luxury and paradise. Some highlights included:
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort – The Rolls-Royce of Family Friendly Luxury
This luxurious yet eco-conscious retreat located in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, offers an intimate, family-friendly experience. Created by oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, it blends sustainability with luxury. The resort features eco-friendly accommodations, such as solar-powered bures made from local materials.
A standout feature is its exceptional nanny program, making it perfect for families. Parents can enjoy the resort’s activities, like world-class diving, sailing, paddling, fishing or spa treatments, knowing their children are in good hands with trained nannies. The Kids Club offers fun, educational experiences where children can learn about marine life and local culture.
The resort offers an all-inclusive food & beverage package (excluding alcohol) as well as a range of activities. The meals were divine, with a focus on fresh seafood.
Overall, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort provides a fantastic blend of adventure, relaxation, and peace of mind for families seeking an inclusive, eco-friendly, luxurious adventure. Our full Blog on JMC can found here
Nanuku Resort Fiji – An Exclusive Sanctuary
Nanuku Resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure for both families and couples. Located in Pacific Harbour—just a two-hour drive or a 30-minute helicopter ride from Nadi—this intimate sanctuary features spacious beachfront suites, private villas, and newly remodelled residences.
Renowned for its privacy, impeccable service, and attention to detail, Nanuku also offers a fantastic nanny program, allowing parents to enjoy some well-deserved downtime while their kids are entertained. The resort’s activities cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind, with options like hiking, snorkelling, fishing, jet-skiing, and boat charters, as well as spa treatments and cultural experiences. For the ultimate escape, Nanuku even has its own private island for exclusive day trips.
Golf enthusiasts will love that Pearl Harbour Golf Course is just 15 minutes away, while the stunning Natadola Bay course is accessible via a 90-minute transfer or a quick 20-minute helicopter ride. (Steve, of course, made sure to play both!)
Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family retreat, Nanuku offers something for everyone.
Check out our full Blog on Nanuku here or Natadola Bay golf course here
Below is some footage & snaps from our stay at Nanuku
Tokoriki Island Resort – A Jewel in the Mamanuca Islands
Tokoriki is an adults-only haven, renowned for its seclusion and exclusive luxury. I travelled there by boat (a scenic one-hour journey) and was lucky enough to take a helicopter back—just 15 minutes, but absolutely spectacular. While both offered incredible views, the helicopter ride was truly unforgettable.
The beachfront pool villas are pure paradise, offering the ultimate in privacy and oceanfront luxury. Blending traditional Fijian architecture with modern design, each villa feels like an intimate retreat. Tokoriki’s cuisine is outstanding, serving fresh, high-quality meals that showcase both Fijian and international flavours. Private beachfront dining and romantic sunset dinners are especially popular.
And I’m not exaggerating when I say this—I had the best massage of my life at Tokoriki! While relaxation is the focus here, there’s still plenty to do, from snorkelling and diving to island-hopping and cultural experiences. The guided snorkelling trips and excursions to nearby islands are highly recommended.
Read our full Blog on Tokoriki here
Six Senses Fiji – Luxury, Wellness, and Sustainability
Located on Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji is a top-tier wellness resort that blends luxury with sustainability for an immersive, rejuvenating experience. Each villa boasts spectacular ocean views and a private pool, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and adventure.
What truly sets Six Senses apart is its deep commitment to wellness and eco-conscious living. From personalised spa treatments, yoga, and meditation to health-conscious menus featuring fresh juices and holistic wellness practices, it’s an ideal retreat for both body and mind. This was Steve’s favourite resort and you can read our full Blog on Six Senses Fiji here
Yasawa Island Resort – Unrivaled Beauty, Unmatched Location
Yasawa Island Resort sits on a private island in Fiji’s Yasawa Archipelago, offering a truly exclusive experience with just 18 beachfront bures. Known for its stunning location and access to pristine beaches and coral reefs, Yasawa offers unrivalled beauty and serenity. The water was crystal clear, warm and there was plenty to explore & do. The adults-only resort is perfect for those seeking privacy and seclusion, with ‘digital detoxing’ encouraged by the staff. The stay is inclusive of meals (excluding alcohol) as well as eco-friendly practices that ensure harmony with the surrounding environment. Cultural excursions and unique experiences make it one of the most special places to visit in Fiji. You can read our full Blog here
Royal Davui Resort – Perfect for couples
The island itself is intimate and exclusive, with just a handful of villas nestled among lush greenery, with ocean views, creating a truly secluded paradise. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, making every interaction feel personal and genuine.
Dining was a highlight, with fresh seafood and gourmet dishes served alongside stunning ocean views—or even under the stars for a truly romantic experience. Snorkelling around the island was incredible, but for those seeking pure relaxation, simply lounging by the water or indulging in a luxurious massage was just as tempting.
Royal Davui Resort is a great destination for honeymooners or couples looking for a special getaway.
Memorable Experiences Across Fiji
Our Fijian adventure wasn’t just about staying at luxurious resorts—it was also about immersing ourselves in the local experiences that made the islands so special. Here’s a glimpse of some of the incredible activities we enjoyed during our journey:
Snorkelling with Vibrant Marine Life: We spent hours exploring the crystal-clear waters of Fiji, snorkelling alongside vibrant coral reefs, and encountering marine life like tropical fish, reef sharks and even manta rays. The warm, calm waters around the islands made it the perfect environment for both seasoned snorkellers and beginners.
Malamala Beach Club: For a laid-back day by the water, we spent time at Malamala Beach Club, an exclusive beach club located on a private island. It was a true tropical paradise, with stunning views of the surrounding reefs and beaches. We indulged in delicious food and cocktails while soaking in the serene atmosphere and the sun.
Tubing Down the Navua River: For a more thrilling adventure, we took on the Navua River’s gentle rapids in an inflatable tube. The lush rainforest lining the riverbank provided a beautiful backdrop as we floated down, occasionally laughing at the bumps and twists along the way. It was a fun, refreshing way to see the natural beauty of Fiji.
Stunning Waterfalls: Fiji is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and we made sure to visit several during our stay. The sight of cascading water surrounded by lush greenery was awe-inspiring. Some falls were remote, requiring a scenic hike to reach, but the journey was well worth it for the spectacular views and the refreshing swim beneath the waterfalls.
Sigatoka River Safari Jet Boat: One of the most exhilarating experiences was the Sigatoka River Safari Jet Boat ride. We zoomed down the river at high speed, twisting and turning through the natural beauty of the region. It was a fun and thrilling way to see the more rugged and remote parts of Fiji, and we got to experience the culture of the Fijian people along the way with a visit to a local village.
Big Bula Waterpark: Big Bula Waterpark is pure excitement from the moment you walk in. I felt like a kid again, surrounded by giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and waterslides. The towering slides had my heart racing, while the smaller ones kept the kids entertained for hours. The tropical-themed play areas added to the fun. It’s a mix of thrill and relaxation, with shaded spots to cool off.
Golf: Steve played just about every course in Fiji with Natadola Bay & Denarau being the two standouts, which you can read about here & here.
Each of these activities gave us a deeper appreciation for the islands, from their natural beauty to their rich culture. Whether we were paddling through lush rivers, admiring the underwater world, or soaking up the sun at Malamala, these experiences made our trip unforgettable.
The Challenges:
Let’s be honest—travelling with young kids can be a bit stressful, but the positives far outweigh the challenges. The biggest hiccup? A near meltdown when we arrived back in Denarau late one night and realized our rental car couldn’t fit all our luggage. But once we sorted that out, everything else fell into place, making the trip an unforgettable success! In addition to the resorts we visited this time around, we also have COMO Laucala, VOMO Island, Kokomo Island, Wakaya Island Resort, Likuliku Resort as part of our ‘featured accommodation’ in Fiji which you can read more about here
Conclusion:
Now that we know all the tips and tricks, there is no better company to plan your luxury holiday to Fiji. From selecting the best resorts to arranging unique experiences, we’ve been there, done that, and can ensure your itinerary is nothing short of extraordinary. Let us help you plan your dream Fiji getaway!
Get in touch with us today to include Fiji in your ultimate South Pacific luxury itinerary.
If you would like to know more, you can click here or email info@luxuryadventures.co.nz
This article was written by Luxury Adventures Director Dee McKean
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